Michael Jackson's children - Prince Michael, 12, 11-year-old Paris and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, also known as 'Blanket' - sat at a VIP table at the reception following his memorial

Michael Jackson's children sat at a VIP table at the reception following his memorial.

Prince Michael, 12, 11-year-old Paris - who paid an emotional tribute to her father at the service yesterday (07.07.09) - and seven-year-old Prince Michael II, also known as 'Blanket', sat with 12 other children in The Grand Ballroom at Beverly Hills' Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

The kids' former nanny Grace Rwaramba was heard saying: "The kids are holding up really well. It's good for them to be around the other kids."

According to reports, the trio were sitting with cousins ranging in age from seven to 17, and spent much of the reception "playing and goofing around".

America's Us Weekly magazine reported: "Blanket appeared playful at the reception, tickling his cousins and tapping others on the shoulder and then running away."

At one point all the youths gathered to look at the programme from the ceremony which included pictures of Michael - who died aged 50 after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest last month.

The children were "polite and poised" and dealt well with the constant stream of well-wishers who came to greet them.

A musical quartet played soft music at the event, while guests ate mini-cheeseburgers, mini-crab cakes and a selection of cheeses.

Brooke Shields - who paid tribute to her friend Michael at the service - was also present, but seemed quiet and emotional.

Michael's siblings spent much of the reception talking to each other - although it has been claimed sister Janet distanced herself from the rest of the family - and numerous guests thanking them for coming.

Brother Jermaine was seen hugging several attendees, while sisters La Toya and Janet were also seen chatting to well-wishers.

Michael's parents Joe and Katherine spent time with Brooke, while Joe was also seen in conversation with Corey - who was estranged from the 'Smooth Criminal' singer at the time of his death.

Katherine - who is the temporary guardian of Michael's children - left with Prince, Paris and 'Blanket'.